Inaugural Lecture by Professor Louise Peacock

The Power of Popular Performance

De Montfort University’s Head of the School of Humanities and Performing Arts will reflect on her journey as a teacher and researcher of popular theatre and performance. Drawing on a range of examples from clowning, music hall, commedia dell’arte, stand-up comedy, slapstick and theatrical comedy, she will demonstrate the cultural importance of often over-looked popular forms and the challenges and opportunities presented by teaching and researching academically marginalised modes of performance. Laughter lies at the heart of each of these modes of performance and Professor Peacock will explore the power of laughter to draw audiences together. She will reflect on key moments from her experience as an educator, academic and researcher working at the forefront of comedy studies.

A drinks reception will follow after the lecture.